Sweep daily

Mop weekly

35-55% humidity

No wet mopping or steam cleaning

Maintenance Schedule

How Often Should You Clean?

Follow this simple schedule to keep your floors in pristine condition and maximize the life of your finish.

Daily

  • Sweep or dust mop to remove dirt and debris
  • Wipe up spills immediately with a dry cloth
  • Use entrance mats to trap dirt at doorways

Weekly

  • Vacuum with hard floor attachment (no beater bar)
  • Damp mop with hardwood-specific cleaner
  • Check for scratches or damage and address promptly

Monthly

  • Deep clean with pH-neutral hardwood cleaner
  • Inspect and replace worn furniture pads
  • Check humidity levels and adjust as needed

Annually

  • Professional inspection and maintenance
  • Consider buff and recoat if finish shows wear
  • Evaluate if full refinishing is needed

The Right Way to Clean

Most hardwood floor damage comes from improper cleaning. Follow these expert techniques to keep your floors beautiful without causing harm.

  1. Dust First

    Use a microfiber dust mop or vacuum with a hard floor attachment to remove loose dirt and grit before wet cleaning.

  2. Spray & Mop

    Lightly mist a section of floor with hardwood cleaner, then mop with a damp (not wet) microfiber pad.

  3. Dry Thoroughly

    Go over the area with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining moisture. Never leave standing water.

BEST PRACTICES

Do's and Don'ts

Simple habits that protect your investment and common mistakes to avoid.

Do This

  • Use Felt Pads

Apply felt pads to all furniture legs and replace them regularly as they wear down.

  • Maintain Humidity

Keep indoor humidity between 35-55% to prevent wood from expanding, contracting, or cracking.

  • Use Proper Cleaners

Only use cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors. Avoid all-purpose cleaners.

  • Lift Furniture

Always lift furniture when moving it—never drag, as this causes deep scratches.

  • Trim Pet Nails

Keep pet nails trimmed to minimize scratches from daily activity.

  • Use Area Rugs

Place rugs in high-traffic areas and under rolling chairs to protect the finish.

  • Clean Spills Immediately

Blot liquids immediately with a dry cloth. Standing water can damage wood and finish.

  • Control Sunlight

Use curtains or blinds to minimize UV exposure, which can fade and discolor wood.

Avoid This

  • Wet Mop

Never use a soaking wet mop. Excess water seeps between boards and damages the wood.

  • Use Vinegar or Ammonia

These common household cleaners are too acidic and will dull and damage the finish over time.

  • Steam Clean

Steam mops force moisture into the wood and can cause warping, cupping, and finish failure.

  • Use Wax on Polyurethane

Wax creates a sticky residue on poly finishes that attracts dirt and prevents proper recoating.

  • Walk in High Heels

Stiletto heels exert enormous pressure per square inch and will dent even the hardest wood.

  • Ignore Scratches

Small scratches can grow larger. Address them early to prevent deeper damage.

  • Use Beater Bar Vacuums

Rotating brush attachments can scratch and dull the finish. Use hard floor settings only.

  • Skip Entrance Mats

Dirt and grit tracked in from outside act like sandpaper, wearing down the finish quickly.

Prevent Damage Before It Happens

The best way to maintain beautiful floors is to prevent damage in the first place. These simple protective measures will extend the life of your hardwood significantly.

  1. Humidity Control

    Maintain 35-55% relative humidity year-round. Use a humidifier in winter and dehumidifier in summer.

    Wood naturally expands and contracts with humidity changes. Extreme variations cause gaps, cupping, and cracking.
  2. UV Protection

    Use curtains, blinds, or UV-filtering window film to protect floors from sun damage.

    Direct sunlight causes wood to fade and discolor over time. Rotate rugs and furniture periodically to ensure even aging.
  3. Temperature Stability

    Maintain consistent indoor temperatures between 60-80°F for optimal floor performance.

    Avoid turning off heat/AC for extended periods, as rapid temperature changes stress the wood.

Floor Care Products

Professional-grade cleaning and maintenance products available for purchase. We use and recommend these products for all our clients.

Bona Premium Spray Mop
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Refill
Bona Hardwood Floor Polish - High Gloss
Bona Hardwood Floor Polish - Low Gloss
ArborZen Complete Care Kit
Heavy Duty Felt Furniture Pads
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner Concentrate

Need Help Choosing?

Not sure which products are right for your floors? Our team can recommend the perfect care regimen based on your floor type and finish.

Get Personalized Recommendations

Know the Signs

When to Refinish Your Floors

Even with perfect care, all hardwood floors eventually need refinishing. Here's how to know when it's time.

Schedule Free Assessment

Gray or black discoloration

Water damage has penetrated the finish. Refinishing needed soon.

Large scratches exposing bare wood

Unprotected wood is vulnerable to moisture and further damage.

Finish worn through in traffic areas

Consider a screen and recoat to restore protection.

Floor looks dull after cleaning

The finish may be worn. A buff and recoat may be sufficient.

Minor surface scratches

Often addressed with touch-up products or a light screen and recoat.

Need Professional Help?

Our team offers professional maintenance, refinishing, and repair services to keep your floors looking their best.

View Our Services Call 828.528.3150